Ms. Geraldine Elaine White Perry was born on December 21, 1944, in Amity Hill, N.C. She was the daughter of the late Rayford “Preach” White and Geraldine Carr. Elaine departed this life on March 10, 2025, at Novant Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.
She was raised by her paternal grandparents, Jay Hugh White and Annie Cornelius White, along with her sister Mary Bernice, at the home place in Amity Hill, Cleveland, N.C. Upon graduation in 1962 from Unity High School, Statesville, N.C., she departed to live with her aunt, Anne White, and uncle, Dewitt White, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Elaine, as she is affectionately known by her family and friends, or Gerri, by her colleagues, started her career with the New York City Port of Authority in the Human Resource Division. Foreseeing an opportunity, she joined the initial women recruitment for the Port of Authority Police Academy. She had a long and prestigious career in law enforcement and retired as a decorated detective of her beloved Internal Affairs Division Team.
Upon retirement, Elaine returned home and settled in Mooresville, N.C. She rejoined her childhood church, Mount Tabor Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Trustee, Chair of the Deacon Board; member of the Presbyterian Women and provided diligent services to the church during the entire COVID crisis.
Socially, Elaine has loved community involvement and has served as past Membership Officer and President of Mooresville Newcomers Club for over 200 women. She volunteered for many years as an usher for the Belk Performing Art Theater in Charlotte, N.C. Elaine knew and loved jazz and Motown music. Elaine was serving as President of the Senior Book Club in her community, and an Officer of the HOA until she succumbed to her illness earlier this year.
Elaine was an avid sport enthusiast loving the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs football teams and also tennis.
Those left to cherish her memories include a beloved aunt, Carolyn White of Mooresville, N.C., beloved cousins, Chukuma Awanna (Nanette Awanna) of Chesapeake, Va., and Randy White of Cleveland, Ohio; and a special goddaughter, Nazariah Jackson of Cleveland, N.C.; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and host of loving friends, church family and colleagues.
A Celebration of Elaine’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, 935 Mt. Tabor Church Road, Cleveland, N.C., with Pastor Timothy Porter officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from 12:30 to 1 p.m. prior to the service.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, NC, is serving the Perry family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.